Amari and the Metalwork Menace: A Supernatural Adventure About Curses, Friendship, and Saving Two Worlds (Supernatural Investigations, 4) by B.B. Alston is the highly anticipated fourth book in the Amari and the Night Brothers series (also known as Supernatural Investigations). It was released on February 4, 2025, and quickly became a bestseller among middle-grade fantasy readers.
Quick Summary (No Major Spoilers)
Amari Peters is back at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, but this time the danger feels closer to home than ever. A mysterious new threat called the Metalwork Menace is spreading across both the human world and the supernatural realm: cursed metal objects are coming to life, attacking people, and draining magic from everything they touch. The curse seems to be growing stronger every day—and the only clue points to an ancient artifact hidden somewhere in the human world.
Amari, now a more confident Junior Agent, teams up with her brother Quinton, best friend Dylan, and the rest of the Junior Agent squad (including the ever-sarcastic Elsie and the loyal but nervous Simon) to track down the source of the curse before it consumes both worlds. Along the way they face:
- Living suits of armor that fight like knights
- Possessed cars and machinery
- A shadowy figure who seems to know Amari’s every move
- Tension inside the Bureau itself—some agents don’t trust Amari’s hybrid human-supernatural nature
The story balances classic Amari ingredients: thrilling magical action, laugh-out-loud friendship moments, heartfelt family scenes, and serious themes about belonging, prejudice, and what it means to protect everyone (even those who don’t always accept you).
This installment feels bigger and more personal—Amari’s identity, her brother’s safety, and the future of the entire supernatural world are all on the line. The stakes have never been higher, and the ending sets up an epic finale for the series.
Key Elements Fans Love
- Diverse, lovable cast — Amari’s growth into a confident leader, Dylan’s unwavering loyalty, Quinton’s protective big-brother energy, and the hilarious side characters (especially Harriet the yeti and the Bureau’s quirky agents)
- Creative magic & world-building — The “metalwork” curse introduces fresh, creepy supernatural threats while expanding the rules of the magical world
- Emotional depth — Explores identity, family trauma, found family, and the courage to stand up even when you’re afraid
- Humor & heart — Classic Amari banter and laugh-out-loud moments balance the darker plot threads
- Fast-paced action — Chase scenes, magical battles, and puzzle-solving keep the pages turning
Target Audience & Reading Level
- Ages 8–12 (middle-grade sweet spot)
- Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, The School for Good and Evil, or any series with strong friendships and magical mysteries
- Reading level: Solid chapter-book / early middle-grade (AR ~4.5–5.0), but the story feels exciting and mature enough for older kids
Reception (as of March 2026)
Early reviews call it the strongest book in the series yet—bigger stakes, deeper character moments, and a perfect blend of humor, heart, and suspense. Many readers say it feels like the series is building toward an epic conclusion (Book 5 is already confirmed as the finale).
In short, Amari and the Metalwork Menace is pure magic: thrilling, funny, emotional, and full of heart. If you love Amari’s world, this is the book where everything gets bigger, scarier, and more meaningful. Highly recommended for ages 8–12 (and grown-up Potterheads who want that same sense of wonder and friendship).
If you’re new to the series, start with Amari and the Night Brothers—but if you’re already caught up, Metalwork Menace is worth the wait.
Happy reading, Junior Agent!